The Albany City Commission took a series of formal actions including approvals of a 95% design for the Henderson community center gym, a budget amendment for replacement water meters, a procedural change moving municipal-court administration under the city manager, and authorization to pursue condemnation to acquire a small sliver of private property needed for a handicap-accessible ramp at South Magnolia. Commissioners also approved multiple board and commission appointments and adopted a resolution allowing placement of a historical marker recognizing a founding member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Several items produced debate; others were routine votes. Notably, a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Albany-Dougherty Land Bank (a city contribution of $2,000,000) generated disagreement about whether the funds should be targeted to the city’s medical district and Ragsdale/Driscoll areas or left more broadly available near city-owned assets. A substitute motion to split the allocation 50/50 failed, and commissioners sent the proposal back to the land bank for further work.

Key outcomes
- Henderson gym 95% design: approved. Staff and the architect described retractable five‑row bleachers and design details; commissioners approved proceeding with the design package.
- Municipal court oversight: the commission voted to place the director of municipal court under the city manager’s daily supervision while retaining the position as an appointed post; motion passed.
- Budget amendment for water meters: commissioners adopted an ordinance authorizing allocation of up to $955,000 to replace water meters (Hart); second reading waived and ordinance adopted.
- Rezoning request: commission approved rezoning of approximately 44 acres from M‑2 to R‑5 on Lincoln Station Road to allow single‑family residential development.
- Condemnation authorization: staff was authorized to pursue condemnation (approximately 312 sq. ft.) at 606 South Magnolia to permit traffic-signal and ADA ramp work; the special master will consider property-owner objections.
- Appointments and commissions: multiple reappointments and new appointments to local authorities and boards were approved (Aviation Authority, EDC, Planning Commission, Utility Board, Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, municipal appointments including city attorney, city clerk, municipal court judge appointments, and others). These were adopted by roll-call vote.
- Delta Sigma Theta resolution: approved to allow an easement and marker recognizing Osceola McCarthy Adams.
- Land bank MOU (ARPA funds): commissioners debated two options and did not reach a majority on a final allocation plan (original MOU vs. 50/50 split to medical district and Ragsdale/Driscoll). The commission directed staff to return to the land bank to refine the MOU.

Votes and next steps
Most of the ordinance and resolution votes were recorded by roll call and passed by majority vote where indicated in the meeting. Staff will proceed with implementation for the approved design, budget, and condemnation actions. The land bank memorandum will be revised and returned for commission consideration.

Ending: Commissioners closed the meeting after member comments and set follow-up actions; staff will report back on state licensing for the Simple Spirits matter and on the refined land bank MOU.